(Posted 2024 June)

Our Annual Foster Parent Appreciation Event was a smash hit with our families! We were so pleased to have 28 foster parents join us on Saturday, May 4 for what was a memorable and relaxing respite night.

Adults Enjoyed Dinner and Conversation

Many foster parents were excited for a chance to have a few hours of dedicated time to reconnect as couples, meet other foster parents, or just have some well-deserved downtime. They enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner prepared by Tony’s NY Pizza, and assorted desserts by Insomnia Cookies, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Cake4Kids. 

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board gave a brief presentation on Building Resilient Communities and Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences to help foster families be thoughtful about what they can do to improve the health and well-being of the children in their care.

The Kids had a Blast! 

Respite care was open to any biological, adoptive, or foster children living in the foster families’ homes. There were 15 kids ranging in age from infancy to 11 years old. 

The kids were entertained by coloring masterpieces, designing t-shirts, faces painting, and playing oversized versions of games like Connect 4, cornhole and checkers. They also had an opportunity to get extra cuddles from Children, Youth and Families’ facility dog, Rylynn.

Thank You to Volunteers and Sponsors!

We want to thank all the sponsors, donors and volunteers that made this event such a success. Fairfax Church provided a location for the event at no cost. Ace Hardware, PF Chang’s, Crafthouse Fairfax, Cooper’s Hawk, The Enchanted Florist, Aura Spa, Fairfax Racquet Club and Starbucks (Centreville) provided gift cards to help us show our foster parents just how loved and appreciated they are in our community.

There were 16 volunteers on site that evening to help with food, games, crafts, etc. This event could not have taken place without the support of those volunteers and even some of their family members who stepped in at the last minute. 

In addition, a small committee of Foster Care and Adoption staff planned and coordinated the event. Special thanks goes to Julie Bowman, Madelyn Carmichael, Karen Chaudhry, Maggie Moreland, Angela Morlu, Rosario Phelps, Karen Roberts, Kendra Smith, Natalie Sposato, and Dana Wade for your support leading up to the event. 

It was worth it to hear the positive feedback from the foster parents. One appreciative foster parent said, “This was the first time we’ve had dinner out since our foster son was placed with us.” While another foster parent said “I loved the opportunity to meet and have conversations with other foster parents.” 

We hope that more foster families can join us for this event next year! We salute your amazing dedication and your selflessness. We are so honored that you have chosen to continue your foster parenting journey with us!